UDMO offers thanks for back to school program funding

June 27, 2014

Upper Des Moines Opportunity Inc. would like to thank the Teresa Treat Stearns Trust Advisory Committee for the recent grant approval in the amount of $1,100.

These funds will be used to support the UDMO Hamilton County Back to School Event this year. The event will be held on Aug. 7 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the All Cultures Equal building.

UDMO for years has seen the importance of offering low-income children the same opportunity to be prepared for learning as other children in the community when it comes to their school needs. Our Back to School project allows low-income children, to receive a new back pack filled with most of the necessary school supplies that they will need for the appropriate grade they will be entering for the 2014/2015 school year. The program allows parents less financial stress when it comes to the extra expense related to starting their child into the new school year. For the teachers in the schools it allows them less distraction as children will come to school well prepared for their educational experience.

Last year UDMO provided over 180 back packs to low-income children in grades pre-K through 12th grade. This year we expect the same number if not more as the need continues to grow in Hamilton County. UDMO estimates the cost to have one child start school to be $30 for a back pack and necessary school supplies. The Teresa Treat Stearns Trust Grant that UDMO received will provide a good start for this year's Back to School project in Hamilton County. UDMO can't offer programs like this without support from the community. If you are interested in making a donation towards this project you can mail your contributions to: UDMO 1440 E 2nd St., Suite 2, Webster City, IA 50595. If you know of someone in need of assistance in Hamilton County for Back to School supplies have them contact our office at (515) 832-6451. Together we are making a difference